Astra on Route One

[Radio]

Astra slouched as she walked on Route One. Things had become a little surreal. She now was a trainer and she had a all-too-hyper Aipom and a perfectionist of a Delibird. And they were following her right now. This was because of her utter dislike of being trapped in pokeballs. Unfortunately for her, her kind act was backfiring all too quickly.

<You really should give me a name, I think it's proper to do so,> The Delibird said in a very arrogant tone, <I mean, I wouldn't like to go around being known as Delibird now would I? It should be a good name, something that tells the world that I'm a person that keeps things in order.>

Sighing, Astra had no choice but to name the Pokemon. He truly was getting on her nerves.

<You,> Astra said, indicating to the Delibird, <You're name is Percy. And You,> she continued, now indicating the Aipom, <You've still got that green paint on you, Green. We're going to have to clean you up sometime soon.>

The Aipom, now christening "Green", grinned and jumped onto Astra's head and retorted, <Che. I really don't like bathes. They're a waste of time, you know. And they're very boring. You'll have to catch me if you want to get me into one of those bathes.> And, after jumping off her head, ran into a bush with her and Percy chasing after him.

[PBK]

<sub>As Astra was dealing with her new pokemon, someone was watching through the trees. The watcher's gaze shifted to the strange Aipom and stiffled laughter when it was given the name 'Green.' How the monkey had gotten green paint on it in the first place was something she dared not ponder lest she errupt in laughter and fall off of the branch which she was so delicately balanced on.

Then, the girl looked at the Delibird curiously. She had never seen such a Pokemon in these warmer parts. The trainer must be from far away, perhaps another region all together to have one. She certainly wasn't from around Route 1.

Another pair of eyes was also watching Astra. These ones were squinty, questioning her every move. However, the keeper of these dared not get into view of the new trainer. Not only was he skeptical, but also lacked trust for any being outside of the being who watched from the tree next to him.</sub>

[Radio]

Once Astra had captured Green once again, all became quiet. Putting her head to her forehead, she sighed with relief.

<Good. Quiet. Why don't we all be quiet for a while? Maybe,> she said, trying to entice her pokemon into keeping the silence, <you'll meet some pokemon.>

Green and Percy nodded in silent excitement. Sitting down on the grass, Astra enjoyed the silence, ears pricked for any sounds. She heard it. A rustle. There was someone in the tree. Silently and unnoticed, she walked towards the noise.

<Well, well. I guess being a Rocket Grunt paid off. You're hired hear things in that position,> Astra said, to the female one of the two that were watching her and her pokemon, <But really, why are you spying on an unexperienced trainer? There's nothing interesting about me--besides the fact that I'm a somewhat rare shiny Pokemorph.>

[PBK]

<sub>"ROAR!" the female announced, jumping off of her perch, narrowly missing Astra's head as she hit the ground. A little girl, probably only seven years old, stared up at Astra with deep brown eyes, angry, if not completely hateful. She was covered in grime all over, her face especially messy. The kid glared at the older pokemon morph, though the strange face only succeeded in making her look rather cute. She also had strange markings on her skins- tatoos, or perhaps, another pokemorph.

<Must I always save you?> the male's voice asked in poketongue. His voice was sharp, like a ekans' and cruel as a rhydon's. And yet, there was a hint of amusement in it, as if he took pleasure in "rescuing" his partner.</sub>

[Radio]

Astra said indignantly at the cold voice's words, <Do you think I would hurt a little kid? The only thing that I'm ticked at is the fact that you two were spying on me. And the fact that you haven't revealed yourself. Cowardly, yet--I must admit--sensible. Seeing if I was a threat or not was quite helpful, wasn't it?>

Then, in a tone that was supposed to be kinder, though that was quite hard to pull off after a rant, ask the kid, <You haven't answered my question yet? Why would a little kid like you spy on a older, somewhat stingy, unexperienced trainer like myself? Well, not really a trainer am I? Seeing as I deal with these fools. But for our purposes now, I am a trainer, and you are a spy. And why, sorry for this tactless question, are you covered in marks? Are you a pokemorph?>

[PBK]

<sub>"ROAR!" was the girl's only response, the exact same tone she had used to announced herself in. She was still in the crouching position she had landed in. "ROAR!" she said again, just for good measure.

<I suppose that showing myself now cannot be helped,> the voice announced. A Sneasel jumped gracefully in the tree and stared up at Astra. <I am Zon, and this is Eva.>

The girl, Eva continued to glare.

<I think that she's fairly safe.>

Eva relaxed, but still watched the morph's every move.</sub>

[Radio]

Astra's eyes widened at the sight of the Sneasel, <Hmm, people don't see much of your kin around these parts, eh? Well, Zon, I thank you for trusting me enough with your names and for answering some questions. But, the questions still remain. Are you trusting enough to answer them?>

Green and Percy had been quiet and still for the past few minutes, but they were getting restless. Curiously, they went over to Eva, investigating. Green even had the nerve to jump onto Eva's head and Percy stared at the markings on her skin.

[PBK]

<sub>Zon nodded. <The questions?> Zon asked, <Well, I suppose that would depend on the question-> The pokemon glanced around, then added, <and even more so on the answers.>

The girl flinched as green hit her head, however, her gaze continued to rest on the trainer. She batted absently at the pokemon on top, seeming more intent on the conversation, which she didn't seem to understand.</sub>

[Radio]

Astra nodded, but then, distracted by the poking and prodding of Green and Percy, said, <Oi! Green, Percy, budge off of Eve, or I'll put you in the pokeball!>

Green laughed. He knew very well that his trainer hadn't touched a single pokeball. It looked like she had a phobia to them. But, he obediently jumped off of Eve's head and scampered over to Astra. Percy followed as Green happily hopped onto Astra's head. The nerve of that pokemon.
Always getting into trouble.

With Green on her head, Astra then spoke again to Zon, <I don't really think the first and second ones are of great matter; but the third question maybe, just to start off. Anyways, firstly, is Eve a pokemorph and, secondly, if not, why does she have the markings? Finally, why were you spying on me?>

[PBK]

_{Zon thought a moment, though it was hard to tell whether his pause was to think of an answer, or to think whether to give one. <Well,> the Sneasel said, <Whether or not Eva is a pokemorph could be disputed.> He flew up to Astra, landing on her shoulder. Zon glared at Green, daring him to try any funny stuff, then whispered into Astra's ear. <You see, the scientists working on Eva were independent from any larger organization. There were no more than ten of them in the whole group. However, as soon as...higher powers found out that they were eperimenting on humans, they were forced to disband quickly, leaving Eva and a few other eperiments behind. As far as I know, Eva is the only one who survived. The other's bodies rejected the new DNA. So, yes, you could say that Eva is a pokemon morph because she has some Sneasel DNA in her, however, the proces was never completed, so those marks are the only evidence that it ever happened.> Zon dove off of Astra's shoulder and landed near Eva once more. <Oh, and we weren't spying on you. You just happened to walk into our sight.>}

[Radio]

Astra nodded, <I see. Well, I thank you for your time, but, I really must get going with these fools of mine. We may see each other again, but for now, goodbye.> And she began to stride away from Zon and Eva, but then stopped. <Unless of course,> she said, back them, <you would like to come with us.>

[PBK]

_{<Well, I suppose that we could come with you. After all, this might give us a chance to figure out how to reverse some ot the symptoms...but the others would have to come with us,> Zon said. Then, the Sneasel whistled. Two more identical looking Sneasels appeared out of a nearby tree . <Zon3 and Zon4,> Zon introduced the others.}

[Radio]

Astra nodded, but then asked, <The others can come, but what about Zon2? Assuming there is one, but considering the names, I guess it's safe for assumption.>

Percy had sidled over to Zon3 and Zon4, and, the never ending curiosity ebbed Green that he jumped off Astra's head and followed suit.

<I like your names,> Percy said admiringly, <They're all so perfect for you. All alike, yet different. Methodical. That's what it is.>

[PBK]

<sub><Well,> Zon said, scratching the side of his hand, <technically, I am Zon2. But, after the original Zon, well, after he, uh, passed, it was only natural for me to take on the name.>

Zon3 and Zon4 said nothing, but Zon3 seemed pleased...or maybe it was Zon4. It was rather hard to tell since the two were practically identical.

"Roar," Eva said softly, afraid that she had been forgotten at the sight of Zon3 and Zon4.</sub>

[Radio]

Astra nodded, not daring to ask for Zon to elaborate. Sometimes the past was best hidden away. Kicking the dirt, she walked over to a sign.

<We're nearing the second route,> she said quietly. Then walking over to Eva, she spoke in English for the first time, the words coming out wonky with a large pokemon accent, "Roar."

Green looked at Astra, maybe his trainer wasn't as afraid as he had thought. So, deciding that this was a perfect moment to celebrate, he leapt onto her head. Percy didn't follow suite, instead, he was stayed by Zon3 and Zon4, still admiring their names.

[PBK]

<sub>The little girl seemed shocked that Astra would use her word. She stared at the morph with cold hard eyes. Then, they softened, and she smiled, even giggled a little before returning to her previous state. "Roar," she replied, sounding at least slightly pleased.

<Well, in that case, I suppose we should get headed in that direction,> Zon said, <I'd hate to think that we were slowing you down.> The Sneasel flew down to Eva and patted her on the shoulder, and the little girl got up. The other Sneasels seemed ready to go as well.

Up ahead, the sign advertising route 2 stood. Half of it was gone, blown off by the wind, or perhaps vandalized by some kid who thought it would be funny.

Green gained 3 levels after all that bouncing around!
Percy gained 1 level...because I said so!</sub>